in custody

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in custody" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal contexts to refer to someone being held by law enforcement or authorities. Example: "The suspect was taken in custody after the police arrived at the scene."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is in custody.

The New York Times

Many remain in custody.

The New Yorker

Two are in custody.

The Economist

She is in custody.

The New York Times

Enemy K.I.A. in custody.

The New York Times

He belongs in custody".

The New York Times

She remains in custody.

Independent

Suspect in custody.

Independent

"In custody".

The Guardian

Mr. Montano is in custody.

The New York Times

The shooter is in custody.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in custody" when you want to clearly state that someone is being legally detained by authorities. It avoids ambiguity and is suitable for formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "in custody" loosely to describe situations where someone is merely being questioned but not formally detained. Ensure the individual is officially being held by law enforcement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in custody" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun, indicating the state of being detained or under the legal control of authorities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly used in legal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Science

0.5%

Wiki

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in custody" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to indicate that someone is being legally detained. As Ludwig AI specifies, it is typically used in legal contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media reports, as evidenced by the examples, but also appears in more formal business and legal documents. While alternatives like "under arrest" or "in detention" exist, "in custody" clearly conveys the state of being held by authorities. When writing, it’s best to use "in custody" to ensure clarity in formal contexts, but make sure to not confuse the term with simple questioning by the authorities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

taken into custody

Highlights the action of being brought into custody by authorities.

under arrest

Focuses specifically on the act of being formally arrested.

in detention

Implies a more general state of being held, not necessarily by police.

being held

A simpler, more direct way of saying someone is detained.

in detention center

Specifies the type of facility where someone is being held.

incarcerated

More formal term indicating imprisonment.

imprisoned

Similar to incarcerated, emphasizing the state of being in prison.

confined

Highlights the restriction of movement.

in captivity

Broader term, can apply to non-legal contexts as well.

apprehended

Focuses on the act of being caught by authorities.

FAQs

How is "in custody" generally used?

The phrase "in custody" typically indicates that a person has been arrested and is being detained by law enforcement or other legal authorities, awaiting further legal proceedings.

What's the difference between "under arrest" and "in custody"?

While similar, "under arrest" emphasizes the act of being arrested, while "in custody" describes the state of being detained following that arrest. They are often used interchangeably.

Can I use "in detention" instead of "in custody"?

Yes, "in detention" is a viable alternative, although it might carry a slightly broader meaning, as detention can also refer to non-criminal contexts. "In custody" specifically implies legal detention.

What are some other phrases similar to "in custody"?

Other alternatives include "being held", "incarcerated", or "imprisoned depending" on the specific context and desired level of formality.